Around the NFL: Field goal in closing seconds lifts Jets

Nick Folk kicked a 43-yard field goal on the final play of the game and the New York Jets handed host Atlanta its third straight loss, beating the Falcons 30-28 last night.

Nick Folk kicked a 43-yard field goal on the final play of the game and the New York Jets handed host Atlanta its third straight loss, beating the Falcons 30-28 last night.

The Falcons rallied from a 27-14 deficit in the fourth quarter, going ahead on Matt Ryan’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Levine Toilolo with 1:54 remaining.

But rookie Geno Smith, who threw three touchdown passes, guided the Jets (3-2) on the winning drive. He completed four straight passes and ran for an 8-yard gain before the Jets ran the clock down and sent in Folk for the last play.

Jacquizz Rodgers scored on a pair of touchdown runs and Ryan also threw a scoring pass to Jason Snelling, but the Falcons (1-4) are now mired in their longest losing streak since 2007.

Raiders release Flynn

The Oakland Raiders released quarterback Matt Flynn, just six months after bringing him in to be the starter.

Oakland acquired Flynn in April from Seattle. The Raiders also reworked Flynn’s contract to give him $6.5 million in guaranteed money this season.

But Flynn was beaten out for the starting job in the preseason by former Ohio State player Terrelle Pryor and then fell to third string behind undrafted free agent Matt McGloin last week, leading to his eventual release.

“It just didn’t work,” coach Dennis Allen said. “Terrelle came in and took over the job. He has earned the position that he’s in. So we just felt like it’s probably best to move on from that."

Vikings sign Freeman

Quarterback Josh Freeman, released last week by Tampa Bay, agree to a prorated $3 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

But coach Leslie Frazier said the Vikings’ starter on Sunday will be Matt Cassel or Christian Ponder, not Freeman.

Notable

• Michael Vick and Nick Foles soon could be in the middle of another quarterback controversy.

Vick is day to day because of a hamstring injury that forced him out of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 36-21 win at the New York Giants on Sunday, and coach Chip Kelly said Foles could win the starting job based on his performance. Foles threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants in slightly over a half.

• Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith is upset with the officiating in a 22-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, calling a member of the crew “garbage.”

Smith said umpire Dan Ferrell is “the sorriest referee I’ve ever met,” and added that Ferrell “ received a check that day and I hope he feels good, because he was terrible.”

• Chicago Bear defensive tackle Nate Collins will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury, the team said.

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